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Unity is golden, king tells adoring masses

Hundreds of thousands of Thais armed with flags and cameras crowded around Bangkok's Royal Plaza to witness a rare appearance by their revered and ailing king, who celebrated his 85th birthday with a brief speech on national unity from a balcony throne overlooking the cheering masses. Known as the ''father'' of the nation, King Bhumibol Adulyadej used his speech to stress stability and harmony. Addressing 200,000-odd supporters clad in yellow, the colour of the monarchy, King Bhumibol stressed unity had to come from within. ''If Thai citizens still hold this harmony in their hearts, there is hope that in whatever the situation, Thailand will surely get through it safely and with stability,'' he said. Photo: Reuters